Region prepares for Hurricane Irene

Thursday

Aug 25, 2011 at 10:51 AMAug 25, 2011 at 12:05 PM

JEREMIAH HORRIGANTimes Herald-Record

Emergency and relief agencies across the mid-Hudson region are throwing hesitation to the winds in gearing up for an unwelcome visit from Hurricane Irene on Sunday.Those same agencies are warning residents to prepare themselves for heavy rain and winds that could lead to flooding, downed trees and power outages.Concerns about flooding were most obviously reflected in the New York City Department of Environmental Protection's decision to increase water release rates in the city's reservoirs.With the Ashokan and Rondout reservoirs in Ulster County are at near capacity; the releases are aimed at increasing the reservoirs' storage capacity. At least three inches of rain are expected to fall on Sunday.Residents in flood-prone areas along the Lower Esopus and Rondout creeks are being warned by county officials that water levels there will rise as a result of the release.Compounding flooding concerns was the expectation of at least a half-inch of rain from thunderstorms on Thursday.The American Red Cross suggests the following tips.• Get a Kit - At a minimum, have the basic supplies such as water, non-perishable food, flashlight, batteries, radio and a first aid kit to last for three days. Keep supplies in an easy to carry emergency preparedness kit that you can use at home or take with you in case you must evacuate.• Make a Plan – Discuss with your family the potential of disasters in your area. Set responsibilities for each member of the household, and work together as a team. Make an alternate plan in case someone is absent. Include pets in your plan.• Be Informed - Identify how local authorities will notify you during a disaster and how you will get information, whether through local radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio stations or channels.Further updates will follow on Recordonline.com